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Picture Courtesy:  THE HINDU

Context

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (CDBR) in Himachal Pradesh has been officially included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

About the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (CDBR)

Location & Altitude: Located in the Trans-Himalayan region, covering the Spiti and Lahaul Forest Divisions of Himachal Pradesh. Altitudes range from 3,300 to 6,600 meters. 

National Status: Declared a Biosphere Reserve (BR) in 2009, becoming India’s 16th and first high-altitude cold desert BR. 

Biodiversity

• Fauna: Home to rare species, including the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Tibetan Antelope (Chiru), Himalayan ibex.
• Flora: Supports hardy alpine grasses, medicinal herbs, and species like Willow-leaved sea-buckthorn and Himalayan birch. 

Community Link: Around 12,000 residents practice traditional pastoralism (yak/goat herding) and small-scale farming, maintaining a harmonious human-environment coexistence. The region is a center for ancient Tibetan herbal medicine traditions (the Sowa-Rigpa or Amchi system).

What is Biosphere Reserve?

A Biosphere Reserve is an international designation by UNESCO for landscapes that demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. They are not just protected areas but are living laboratories for sustainable development. 

Three Core Functions:

• Conservation: Protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
• Development: Fostering economic and human development that is socially, culturally, and environmentally sustainable.
• Logistic Support: Supporting research, monitoring, education, and training related to conservation and sustainable development. 

Zonal Structure: BR is structured into three interconnected zones:

• Core Area: Strictly protected for conservation (e.g., National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary). No human activity is allowed.
• Buffer Zone: Surrounds the core; permits eco-friendly activities like research, monitoring, education, and light ecotourism.
• Transition Area: Outermost zone; communities engage in sustainable economic activities and human settlements. 

World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)

The WNBR is a global network operating under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Its objective is to promote international cooperation through the exchange of experiences, know-how, and best practices among Biosphere Reserves globally. 

Biosphere Reserves in India

National Scheme: India launched its Biosphere Reserve scheme in 1986. 

Total BRs: India currently has 18 designated Biosphere Reserves. 

WNBR Sites: With the recent addition of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, 13 of India's 18 BRs are now part of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Financial Assistance: Financial support is provided by the Central Government to the states at a 90:10 ratio for North Eastern and Himalayan states, and at a 60:40 ratio for other states. 

Source: THE HINDU